Revela&on 21 & 22. A Study of the New Jerusalem. Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 05/19/17 Dra> File: Rev21-22

Transcription

1 Revela&on 21 & 22 A Study of the New Jerusalem Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 05/19/17 Dra> File: Rev21-22

2 Rela&onship with Christ The Most Important Understanding about our Salva&on: We believe eternal life is a gi: from God in Christ Jesus and we are jus>fied by His grace and His faith who paid the price; death, for our transgressions Romans 3:21-26; 4:4-5,25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:4-7 (Is 53; Eze 36:25-27; John 3:3-8,16; 16:8; Rom 5:6-10; 8:1-4, 14-17; 1Cor 15:3-4,20-22; 2Cor 5:14-15,19-21; Gal 1:4; 3:13-14,26; 4:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Col 1:13-14; Heb 8:7-12; 1Pet 1:23; 2Pet 1:3-4; 1John 2:2; 4:10) God sent his angel to show his servants the future (Rev 22:6) Do not despise prophecies. 1Thess 5:20 Purpose: To share the vital necessity of a character transforming rela>onship with Christ, namely the Gospel of His sacrifice for all who call Him Lord and Savior (Ps 1:1-2; Ma_ 20:25-28; Luke 19:17-20; John 20:21; Rom 12:2; 2Cor 3:17-18; Gal 5:22-25; Eph 5:19-21; 6:12-18; Phil 3:7-14; Col 2:6; 1Thess 5:16-23; Heb 10:25; 2Pet 2:9; 3:18; 1John 4:4)

3 Principles of Bible Study Paul s counsel to Timothy: 16 All Scripture is given by inspira>on of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc>on, for instruc>on in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Tim 3:16-17 (Ps 119:105; Prov 30:5-6; Is 8:20; John 17:17; 1Thess 2:13; Heb 4:12) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2Pet 1:21 Bible versions: Use versions with the closest transla&on to the original language Recommend comparing NKJV (used here), NASB95, KJV, ESV, and NIV Concordance sources: Use of Expository study methods (versus Thema&c study) This method explores the literal meaning of each word in Scripture and its rela&onship to other words in its context (exegesis)

4 Principles of Interpreta&on It s important to be consistent by using the same principles, pa_ern, and understanding of the Book of Daniel for the prophecies in Revela>on (Num 12:6; 2Chron 20:20; Joel 2:28-29; Amos 3:7; Acts 2:14-21; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8-9) Every word deserves careful considera>on For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a li_le, there a li_le. Is 28:10 Like Daniel s visions were to Daniel, most everything in Revela>on is future to John s >me I will show you things which must take place a:er this. Rev 4:1 to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Rev 22:6 The Historicist method of interpreta>on is used for both Daniel and Revela>on Much of Revela>on is symbolic Look for defini>ons and correla>ons elsewhere within Daniel and Revela>on first, then the Bible as a whole; then in history Like Daniel 2,7,8,9 & 10-12, the principle used is to repeat and enlarge

5 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are wri_en in it; for the >me is near. Revela&on 1:3

6 Revela&on (AD95-96) The Apostle John received the Revela&on visions while on Patmos John was exiled in AD95 during the reign of Emperor Domi>an. His exile ended upon the accession of Emperor Nerva in AD96. Jerusalem had been destroyed 25 years earlier in AD70 Revela>on is wri_en using chias>c structures: a chiasm is a repe>>on of similar ideas in the reverse sequence Events in Revela>on are built by progressive repe>>on adding detail like Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, & The visions were not given in chronological order

7 Overview The Book of Revela&on Revela>on 1-14 is mirrored! Rev 1:1-8 Introduc>on! Rev 1:9-3:22 7 Churches! Rev 4:1-8:1 7 Seals! Rev 8:2-11:18 7 Trumpets! Rev 11:19-14:20 Cosmic Controversy by Revela>on 15-22! Rev 22:8-17 Conclusion! Rev 21:9-22:7 New Jerusalem! Rev 19:11-21:8 1,000 Years! Rev 15:1-16:21 7 Plagues! Rev 17:1-19:10 Fall of Babylon

8 Overview The Book of Revela&on Revela>on contains 7 Throne scenes that provide a view of the Sanctuary in Heaven: 1. Introduc>on of the 7 seals (Rev 4:1-5:14) 2. Introduc>on of the 7 trumpets (Rev 8:2-6) 3. Introduc>on of the cosmic controversy in Rev 12 (Rev 11:19) 4. Introduc>on to the 7 plagues (Rev 15) 5. Introduc>on to the fall of symbolic Babylon (Rev 16:17-17:3a) 6. Introduc>on to the Second Advent (Rev 19:1-10) 7. Introduc>on to the New Earth (Rev 21:5-11a)

9 Introduc>on Everlas&ng Life Revela>on 21:1-8 con>nues the vision described in Rev 20 from the perspec>ve of the earth Revela>on 21:9-21 provides a descrip>on of the New Jerusalem Revela>on 21:22-27 describes the nature of the city Revela>on 22:1-5 describes the river of life Revela>on 22:6-21 is an epilogue to John s visions with empha>c instruc>ons for obtaining everlas>ng life

10 Revela&on 21 A New Crea>on and the New Jerusalem

11 Revela&on 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. New heaven and earth: God will recreate the atmosphere and the earth a:er 1,000 years in Heaven (Is 65:17-25; 66:22-23; 1Cor 2:9; 2Pet 3:13) The reference to no more sea is significant in that the earth s oceans are the result of the flood (Gen 6:17; 7:4,17-20) Symbolically the sea was where evil beasts arose from (Dan 7:3; Rev 13:1)

12 Revela&on 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Holy city: Literally the New Jerusalem, spiritually the saints (Eze 48:35; Heb 11:10,16c) Bride: The saints will return to earth from Heaven; Husband: Christ (Dan 7:14; Rev 19:7) God will move His universal command center, His throne, to Earth The New Jerusalem placement: The Valley of Jehoshaphat/Mt of Olives (Joel 3:1-21; Zech 14:3-21) This scene precedes the city surrounded by the wicked in Rev 20:9 The wicked are destroyed a:er which the saints will witness God recrea>ng the earth and its atmosphere (Is 30:26; 65:17-25; Rev 20:14-15)

13 Revela&on 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Loud voice from heaven: Emphasis given to the rela>onship between God and His people (Rev 12:10; 14:7,9,15; 18:2) Tabernacle: Meaning tent. The words, will dwell, are from the same root word. (Is 12:6; 14:32; 24:23; Jer 3:17; 8:19; 14:9; Eze 37:25-28; 48:35; Joel 3:21; Zech 2:10) God: The Father will be with the saints, forever (Is 12:6; Eze 39:29; 48:35; Zeph 3:14-17; Zech 2:10; 1Cor 13:12)

14 Revela&on 21:4-5 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. Wipe away tears: An indica>on of emo>on that will be experienced during the 1,000 year judgment of the wicked and also the individualized personal nature of God s rela>onship with each saint (Is 25:8; Jer 50:19-20) No more death: Death to humans that came as a result of disobedience in Eden will be swallowed up (Gen 2:17; Is 25:8; 1Cor 15:54) He who sat on the throne: God the Father (Dan 7:9-10; Rev 4:2; 5:1) The saints will witness God s new crea>on Spiritual Israel will have an experience be_er than Eden (Eze 28:25-26) True and faithful: Emphasis of the veracity of God s Word (Is 40:25; Hab 3:3; Luke 1:35; John 1:14,17; 4:24; 8:32; 14:6; Acts 4:27; Eph 6:14; Rev 3:7; 6:10; 15:3; 16:7; 19:2,9,11; 21:5; 22:6)

15 Revela&on 21:6-7 6 And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. It is done: Literally, it has happened (John 19:30; Rev 10:6; 16:17) Alpha and Omega: God created a perfect world; now He brings an end to sin and again creates a perfect new earth (Is 41:4; 44:6; John 1:1; Rev 1:4,8,11; 2:8; 22:13) Water of life: Quenching our ongoing spiritual needs via the Spirit (Is 12:2-6; 44:3; 55:1; Eze 47:1-12; Joel 3:18; Zech 14:8; Ma_ 5:6; John 4:14; Rev 22:1,17) He who overcomes: Literally, con>nual victory over sin; to persevere (Is 27:5; Rom 5:3; 2Cor 12:9; Rev 2:2-3; 3:10) Inherit: Our most distant imagina>on cannot capture God s plan for us (Is 64:4; 65:17; 1Cor 2:9) Sons: We, as children of God! (Gen 17:7; Lev 26:12; 2Sam 7:14)

16 Revela&on 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. " One of 3 texts defining characteris>cs of those who will not be in the holy city (Rev 21:27; 22:15) (Zeph 3:13) Cowardly: Those who fear the temporary consequences of following Christ; lacking in faith (Ex 16:25-26; Ma_ 6:31: 8:26; 14:31; Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25) Abominable: Detestable, disgus>ng (Lev 18:22; 20:13; Deut 7:25; 17:1; 22:5; 23:18; 27:15; Prov 6:16-19; 16:5; 28:9; Mal 2:11; Luke 16:15; Rev 17:5) Sorcerers: The meaning broadens with the following text: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcra:, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king. 1Sam 15:23 Liars: These include those who teach false doctrines (Prov 12:22; Rev 13:13) Second death: Confirma>on that the lake of fire and brimstone results in death and the end of sin, and death itself (Jer 51:39,57; 2Pet 3:7,10; Rev 20:6)

17 Revela&on 21:9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb s wife. One of the 7 plague angels: The pure bride, in contrast to the scarlet woman of Rev 17:1-6 Bride, the Lamb s wife: God s city literally and spiritually His people, the saints (Rev 19:7; 21:2)

18 Revela&on 21: And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. In the Spirit: John is carried in vision to a high vantage point on earth, in contrast to the wilderness/desert of Rev 17:3 Great city, holy Jerusalem: Descrip>on of the saints descending from heaven and God s literal city on the journey to earth at the end of 1,000 years The name of the city is THE LORD IS THERE (Is 62:12; Eze 48; Rev 22:3) Glory of God: His character (Ex 24:16-17; 33:18-19; 34:6-7; 40:34; 1Ki 8:10; Ps 1:1-2; John 1:14) Light: God s people will shine! (Ma_ 5:15-16; Phil 2:15)

19 Revela&on 21: Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names wrihen on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. 14 Now the wall of the city had twelve founda&ons, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. She: The literal city, New Jerusalem, or, THE LORD IS THERE (Jer 3:17; Eze 48:35) High wall: Represen>ng a home secured by God (Eze 48:35) 12 Gates, angels: These gates represent Christ (John 10:9-11) and are laid out just as was the camp of Israel (Num 2:1-34; Eze 48:31-34; 43:1) Angels ini>ally guard the gates as the wicked of the second resurrec>on surround the city (Rev 20:6-9) 12 Founda>ons: Christ is our Founda>on as revealed through the apostles New Testament le_ers (Is 28:16; Ma_ 16:18; 1Cor 3:11; Eph 2:19-22; 1Pet 2:4)

20 Revela&on 21:15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. He who talked: One of the 7 plague angels (Rev 21:9) Likely the 6 th plague angel (Rev 16:12) of Rev 17:1 & 21:9 with the knowledge of the pure woman contrasted with the harlot Gold reed to measure: Confirma>on the city is perfect (Jer 31:38-39; Eze 40:3; Zech 1:16; 2:1) This is like the reed used to measure the temple of Rev 11:1, though this reed is gold The city itself func>ons as God s temple* (Rev 21:22) City: The Lamb s bride, His people (Is 62:12; Eph 5:23-27,32) The saints have been made perfect through God s Word (John 17:17; Rev 19:7) Gates and Wall: Represen>ng Christ s righteousness and protec>on *The temple in heaven remains during the 1,000 years of examina>on of the wicked in heaven s books of record

21 Revela&on 21: The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. Square (cube): Likely symbolic, indica>ng perfec>on (Is 62:12) 12,000 stadia or furlongs: About 1,400-1,500 miles (either each side, or, if in total; about 375 miles per side) Length, breadth, height equal: This measurement could be applied to either a cube or a pyramid shape There are 33 Bible texts that men>on Mount Zion (Ps 48:2) Egyp>ans constructed pyramids and the Babylonians made Ziggurats, both in false worship of idols through the counterfei>ng influence of Satan The Most Holy Place of the Sanctuary and the Temple was a cube (1Ki 6:20) Wall; 144 cubits: An allusion to the 144,000 (Rev 7:4; 14:1; 21:12) Man, angel: The human saints will be as perfect as the God s angels

22 Revela&on 21: The construc&on of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The founda&ons of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first founda&on was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fi>h sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twel>h amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Zechariah 2:1-5 describes New Jerusalem as protected by God (1Cor 2:9) God the Father is described with the minerals jasper and sardius (Rev 4:2-3) The walls may be a shield of light/fire (Zech 2:3-5) Compare the 12 founda>on stones with those on Aaron s breastplate (Ex 28:3-4,15-21; 39:10-14; Eze 28:13) (See EG White, PP, pg 350)

23 Revela&on 21:22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. There is a temple in Heaven today (Ps 11:4; Hab 2:20; Heb 8:1-2) and it will con>nue to serve the judgment func>on of the wicked during the 1,000 years (Rev 7:15) A:er the eradica>on of sin, the phase of temple services represen>ng the plan of salva>on is no longer needed! (Jer 3:16) We will con>nue to look to our Creator God for our existence (Gen 1:1; Ex 20:11; Ps 146:6; Acts 4:24; 14:15; 17:24,28)

24 Revela&on 21: The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the na&ons of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the na&ons into it. God s glory will illuminate the city (Ex 34:27-34; Is 60:19-20; Zech 14:6-7; Ma_ 17:2; 2Cor 3:7) Adam and Eve were clothed in light un>l they sinned (Gen 3:21; 2Cor 11:14; Rev 16:15) Na>ons of the saved: Isaiah 66:22-23 indicates all beings will come together to worship God every Sabbath and every new moon (Is 30:26; 49:6,23; 60:3,10) Monthly purpose: The tree of life bearing 12 fruits each month (Rev 22:2) Gates always open as there is no night, likely a reminder of our Redeemer who paid the price for freedom of the saints (Is 60:11,18) Glory and the honor of the na>ons: The saints

25 Revela&on 21:27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomina&on or a lie, but only those who are wrihen in the Lamb s Book of Life. " One of 3 texts defining characteris>cs of those who will not be in the holy city (Rev 21:8; 22:15) (Zeph 3:13) Lying is referenced in all 3 texts (1Pet 2:21-22) All transgression of God s law (the Ten Commandments) is an abomina>on to Him (Prov 28:9) Jesus is the Lamb who is True and Faithful (Is 40:25; Hab 3:3; Luke 1:35; John 1:14,17; 4:24; 8:32; 14:6; Acts 4:27; Eph 6:14; Rev 3:7; 6:10; 15:3; 16:7; 19:2,9,11; 21:5; 22:6) Book of Life references: Ex 32:31-33; Ps 56:8; 69:27-28; 139:16; Dan 12:1; Mal 3:16; Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Heb 12:22-23; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15; 21:27 (Is 35:8; 52:1; 60:21; Joel 3:17)

26 Revela&on 22 The River of Life

27 Revela&on 22:1-2 1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the na&ons. Water of life: Similar to the descrip>on of Eden (Is 12:2-6; 44:3; 55:1; Eze 47:1-9; Joel 3:18; Zech 14:8; Ma_ 5:6; John 4:13-14; Rev 21:6; 22:17) Lamb: Jesus (John 1:29; Rev 5:6; 13:8; 14:1; 21:27; 22:1) Tree of life: Likely the same tree that was in Eden (Gen 2:9; 3:22; Rev 2:7; 22:14) One tree with 2 trunks alludes to the 2 olive trees/witnesses of Rev 11:3-4 & Zech 4: Fruits every month: The significance of all created beings coming to the New Jerusalem every new moon (in addi>on to every 7 th day Sabbath) is apparent here (Is 66:23; Eze 46:1; 47:12; Rev 21:24) Leaves for healing of the na>ons: Alluding to healing of rela>onships (Eze 47:12; Mal 4:2)

28 Revela&on 22:3-5 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. No more curse: Alludes to the curse of Gen 3:15-17 It appears that God s throne will be in a garden similar to, if not, Eden His face: The saints will look directly at God (Ex 33:20; Ps 17:15; Ma_ 5:8; Heb 12:14; 1John 3:2) His name on foreheads: This is God s seal (Eze 9:3-6; Rev 3:12; 7:2-4; 14:1) The redeemed saints will possess character a_ributes of God (Ex 34:5-7) God radiates light: While there will s>ll be the sun and moon, God provides light 24 hours a day (Gen 1:16; Is 30:26; Rev 21:23)

29 Revela&on 22:6-7 6 Then he said to me, These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 7 Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. He: The plague angel (Rev 17:1; 21:9) con>nues to talk with John These words are faithful and true: Referring to all of Revela>on (Luke 1:70; 2Tim 3:16; 2Pet 1:21; Rev 3:14; 19:11) Must shortly take place: Important indica>on that Revela>on is future to John s vision on Patmos (AD95-96) Coming quickly: Though it s been about 1,920 years, Christ will judge each one based on rela>onship with Him at >me of death (1Thess 5:2; Rev 3:11) Blessed: The 6 th of the 7 blessings in Revela>on (Rev 1:3; 14:12-13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:6-7; 22:14-19) This blessing calls for us to open the door to Jesus, keeping His tes>mony

30 Revela&on 22 Revela>on Epilogue

31 Revela&on 22:8-9 8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 Then he said to me, See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God. We are not to worship angels, as they are created beings (Ex 20:3; Rev 19:10) Fellow servant: An indica>on that God alone deserves worship and not any other created being (Gal 1:8) This was Gabriel (Dan 8:16; 9:21; 10:10-11:2a; Luke 1:19,26; Rev 1:1) Keep the words: An emphasis direc>ng whom to worship, the great ques>on of all >me, to God the Creator (Ex 20:8-11; Deut 6:13,17; 10:12-13,20; Ps 146:6-7; Rev 1:2; 12:17; 14:7,12)

32 Revela&on 22: And he said to me, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the &me is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust s≪ he who is filthy, let him be filthy s≪ he who is righteous, let him be righteous s≪ he who is holy, let him be holy s&ll. Do not seal: The book of Revela>on was, and is always meant to be, open and understood, in contrast to Daniel (Dan 8:26; 12:4,9), ini>ally (Rev 1:1) Unjust and filthy: The condi>on of the wicked in terms of jus>fica>on and sanc>fica>on Righteous and holy: The condi>on of the saints in terms of jus>fica>on and sanc>fica>on

33 Revela&on 22: And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Coming quickly with My reward: The fate of each one is determined by their rela>onship with Jesus at >me of death (Luke 23:39-43; Rev 3:11; 22:7) According to works: Behavior is an outgrowth of character that has been transformed in all the saints (Job 34:11; Ps 62:12; Prov 24:12; Eccl 12:13; Ma_ 16:27; Luke 6:45; Rom 2:6; Eph 2:8; 2Cor 5:10; 1Pet 1:17; Rev 2:23; 20:12-13) Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, First and Last: 3 word pairs indica>ng a complete work on behalf of the saints (Is 41:4; 44:6; John 1:1; Phil 1:6; Rev 1:4,8,11; 2:8; 22:13) Jesus completed His instruc>on via the prophets Jesus completes His work of crea>on and re-crea>on Jesus completed His work for our salva>on " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever Heb 13:8

34 Revela&on 22: Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and prac&ces a lie. Blessed: The 7 th of the 7 blessings in Revela>on (Rev 1:3; 14:12-13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:6-7; 22:14-19) Keeping His Ten Commandments is required to live with God (Deut 4:1-2,6 26:16-19; Rev 14:12) A right to the tree of life: A privilege made possible by Jesus (Rev 2:7; 22:2) Enter the city: Jesus has made this possible for all (Is 62:10; John 10:1-17) " One of 3 texts defining characteris>cs of those who will not be in the holy city (Rev 21:8; 21:27) (Zeph 3:13) Descrip>on of wicked behaviors and character Dogs: Prac>cing male homosexual or male pros>tute (Deut 23:17-18, Phil 3:2; Is 3:9; 56:10-11) Sorcerers: Those who consult mediums; who are rebellious (1Sam 15:23)

35 Revela&on 22: I, Jesus, have sent My angel to tes&fy to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. My angel: Men>oned in Rev 1:1; perhaps Gabriel? Jesus is the Root, the Son of David: Is 11:1,10; Eze 37 Bright and Morning Star: Jesus Balaam prophesied about Jesus as the Star out of Jacob (Num 24:17) Christ was the true Star of the reforma>on, though John Wycliffe is known as the morning star of the reforma>on (Rev 2:28; 2Pet 1:19) The Spirit: The Godhead is represented here in Rev 22:6,16-21 (Rev 1:3) The bride: The saints (Rev 19:7-8; 21:2,9-10) Water of life: A beau>ful invita>on to accept Jesus gi: (Rev 21:6; 22:1)

36 Revela&on 22: For I tes&fy to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are wrihen in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are wrihen in this book. Prophecy of this book: Warning against altera>on of God s Word (2Tim 3:16-17; Heb 1:1-3; 2Pet 1:20-21; Rev 1:3; 19:10) Plagues: Referring to the 7 plagues of Rev 16 Words: Another warning against altera>on of God s Word, including erroneous interpreta>ons (Deut 4:2) Book of Life, the holy city, and things (blessings) wri_en: An triple empha>c warning of punishment for misrepresenta>on of God s Word (Ex 32:31-33; Ps 56:8; 69:27-28; 139:16; Eze 13:9; Dan 12:1; Mal 3:16; Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Heb 12:22-23; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15; 21:27)

37 Revela&on 22: He who tes&fies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Surely I am coming quickly: Assurance of Jesus return (John 14:1-3; Heb 10:37; Rev 1:7; 3:11: 22:12) Grace of Jesus: 6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Is 55:6-7 Amen means it is true (2Cor 1:20-22)

38 Our Mission as the Remnant Worship God! For the tes>mony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10) The understanding of prophecy is a call to ac>on; to share the gospel of everlas>ng life through a rela>onship with Jesus, proclaiming the 3 angels message of Rev 14:6-12 obey God s commandments (Rev 12:17) and Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water. (Rev 14:7) Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. (Is 56:6-7) Be holy blameless (1Pet 1:16-19; 2Pet 3:10-14)

39 He who tes>fies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revela&on 22:20

40 Addi&onal Informa&on I am indebted to Tim Roosenberg who has studied Daniel since the early 2000 s and has dedicated his ministry to providing people with knowledge of the &mes that we live through seminars and his website; hhp:// I am also indebted to two individuals whom have dedicated their lives in a study of Revela&on 17 since the late 1990 s. Their website, hhp://666man.net, provides significant depth on the many related Bible passages and prophecies that correlate completely to the prophecies of Daniel For an excellent verse by verse commentary see: hhp:// For a deep perspec&ve of how Revela&on represents the spiritual fulfillment of much of the Old Testament see: Louis F. Were, The Certainty of the 3 rd Angel s Message, 1945 Ellen Gould White was a prolific author and an American Chris&an pioneer. Along with other Sabbatarian Adven&st leaders such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, she formed what became known as the Seventh-day Adven&st Church. The Smithsonian magazine named Ellen G. White among 100 Most Significant Americans in an acknowledgement of her influence on religion. hhps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ellen_g._white

41 Ellen White Comments Rev 22:2 " Let all bear in mind that the tree of life bears twelve manner of fruits. This represents the spiritual work of our earthly missions. The Word of God is to us the tree of life. Every por>on of Scripture has its use. In every part of the Word is some lesson to be learnt. Then learn how to study your Bibles. This book is not a heap of odds and ends. It is an educator. Your own thoughts, students, must be called into exercise before you can be really benefihed by Bible study. Spiritual sinew and muscle must be brought to bear upon the Word. The Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance the words of Christ. He will enlighten the mind, and guide the research. {Lt }

42 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:1-3; 22:9 " Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revela&on, saying that He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John. Revela&on 1:1. And to John the angel declared, I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets. Revela&on 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men. {DA 99.1} " It was Gabriel, the angel next in rank to the Son of God, who came with the divine message to Daniel. It was Gabriel, His angel, whom Christ sent to open the future to the beloved John; and a blessing is pronounced on those who read and hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things wrihen therein. Revela&on 1:3. The Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants and prophets. While the secret things belong unto the Lord our God, those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever. Amos 3:7; Deuteronomy 29:29. God has given these things to us, and His blessing will a_end the reverent, prayerful study of the prophe>c scriptures. {DA }

43 Ellen White Comments Rev 22:10-12 " Mark especially the words, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me. Oh, that these words might sink deep into the heart of every one of you who think you are doing God s service while finding fault with others. This is the weakness, the besevng sin, of many in this congrega>on; and our great desire is that you shall get rid of this evil before the Lord gets rid of you. The reproaches with which we reproach the servants of the Lord fall upon Christ Himself. {Ms } " The Jews are coming into the ranks of God s chosen followers and are being numbered with the Israel of God in these closing days. Thus some of the Jews will once more be reinstated with the people of God, and the blessing of the Lord will rest upon them richly, if they will come into the posi&on of rejoicing that is represented in the Scripture, And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gen&les, with His people. {Ms }

44 Ellen White Comments Rev 22:10-12 " We may make mistakes, and we may have to admonish one another. But there has come into the churches at Oakland and the surrounding community a spirit of backbi&ng, of faulsinding and evil speaking, which demonstrates that you are not converted. Words are uhered that never should pass the lips of a Chris&an. My brethren and sisters, when you have nothing beher to speak of than something about the faults of others, remember that silence is eloquence. Cease to dwell upon the shortcomings of others. Keep the tongue sanc>fied unto God. Refrain from saying anything that might detract from the influence of another; for by indulging in these words of cri>cism, you blaspheme God s holy name as verily as you would were you to swear. I am instructed to present these things before you, that you may see how you dishonor the name of Christ Jesus. {Ms }

45 Ellen White Comments Rev 22:10-12 " There remains now only a lihle while in which we can work to save our own souls and the souls of others; and we want all the powers that God has given us cleansed and sanc&fied. We want to clear the path for every working agency, in order that they may not be impeded as they try to advance. We want to come into working order and into perfect unity with one another. Let us, in tenderness, admonish one another and seek to help one another. Let us pray with one another and put away everything that would keep us from entering into and following that narrow path that leads upward to heaven. This path is narrow, it is true; and because of its narrowness, few there be that find it. We cannot afford to leave the path that leads to life everlas&ng. We cannot afford to make any mistake in this maher. If you mistake your way, and disease comes upon you suddenly, and you die without truly repen>ng of your cruel spirit which has been a hindrance to many souls, there is no hope in your case. {Ms }

46 Ellen White Comments Rev 22:10-12 " When you are tempted to speak unadvisedly, be on guard. If someone else approaches you with words of cri>cism regarding one of God s children, turn a deaf ear to every such word. If you are spoken to harshly, never retaliate. U_er not a word. When under provoca&on, remember that silence is eloquence. Silence is the greatest rebuke that you can possibly give a faulsinder or one whose temper is irritated. Keep your eye fixed on Jesus. Keep your eye on the One who never finds fault with you, only to lay before you perils from which He would deliver you. {Ms } " When proba&on ends it will come suddenly, unexpectedly at a >me when we are least expec>ng it. But we can have a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us; and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom of heaven. {Ms } " The word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all things is at hand, and its tes&mony is most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have the truth planted in the heart so that it will control the life and sanc&fy the character The opportune &me for us to work is now, just now, while the day lasts. {RH October 9, 1894, par. 11}

47 Ellen White Comments Rev 22:14 " One of Satan s most successful decep>ons is to lead men to claim to be sanc>fied, while at the same >me they are living in disobedience to God s commandments. These are described by Jesus as those who will say, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Yes, those who claim to be sanc&fied have a great deal to say about being saved by the blood of Jesus; but their sanc&fica&on is not through the truth as it is in Jesus. While claiming to believe in him, and apparently doing wonderful works in his name, they ignore his Father s law, and serve as agents of the great adversary of souls to carry forward the work which he begun in Eden, that of making plausible excuses for not obeying God implicitly. {RH August 25, 1885, par. 3} there is no change of character when Christ comes. The character building is to go on during the hours of proba>on. Day by day their ac&ons are registered in the books of heaven, and they will, in the great day of God, be rewarded as their works have been. It will then be seen who receives the blessing. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. {RH August 25, 1885, par. 5}